Islamic Site: America's Army Brainwashing Recruitment Tool

An Islamic Blog, Empowered Muslim Youth is calling the US Department of Defense’s America’s Army videogame a brainwashing and recruiting tool for the global war on terrorism.

Computer War-games have increased tenfolds (sic) since the global war on terrorism invaded our minds and ears in 2001, with most of the games targeted towards a young audience…

These visual games are a perfect opportunity to psychologically prepare and even mentally train children to fight in battle…

There is no doubt that this well-thought tactic, issued by high-ranking govermental officials, and it is not very surprising. The global war on terrorism is running out of soldiers, as US officials have said…

Brainwashing the youth to fight in almost real-life situations which a solider would face if fighting in Iraq for instance, is most definitely a way to recruit more soldiers for the future…

There has been a lot of controversy in the US over the America’s Army series’ use as a military recruitment tool, so it’s not entirely surprising that a site aimed at Islamic youth would label the game as a brainwashing tool. To some extent I would agree. The games are meant to simulate extreme environments, testing gamers’ mettle in the face of crisis. The game could certainly help to identify those people who may adapt to a military mind set.

However playing the game shouldn’t take away an individual’s ability to reason for themselves, providing they were stable to begin with, which is often associated with true brainwashing. Therefore, I would say the game is an indoctrination tool rather than a brainwashing device.

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Was the original article written by someone with the last name thompson ? Just wondering. Also, to identify who would or wouldn’t be a good candidate, wouldn’t it require a form of feedback ?

Iku Tri

On January 28, 2008 at 6:42 pm

Hmmmmmm…..I think hardly anyone would play that game unless the were in the army before-hand….

somewhat

On January 28, 2008 at 6:48 pm

And then they’d realise that the game pales in comparison to real life. Just like any other game…

huggiesunrise

On January 28, 2008 at 6:48 pm

This isn’t a painful stretch in fact I recall the U.S. Navy and US Air Force cooperating on flight Sims in the 90s.

It would not stupid to even thank that anything that furthers any behavior that involves shooting and killing and maiming and watching things we would not be in opposition to any Armed Forces.

Also there seems to be some confusion about brainwashing are two types and this is clearly not the type that people are regarding most brainwashing is done in a subtle manner by an alternation of frequencies say like the television which is perhaps most effective brainwashing tool on the planet.

I played America’s Army, and I feel the most accurate thing in it is the first aid. When do you run around on a battlefield, die, and respawn? If anything, it’s a mediocre game (though hopefully getting better), impossible to play at any difficulty because of the experts, and far to boring for most children.

Lannen

On January 29, 2008 at 2:37 am

Indeed, because after a few months of playing this game a teen would be able to handle themselves in a combat situation like a seasoned vet.

I definitely wouldn’t call it an all-out brainwashing tool, but it’s a very sneaky kind.. just like the news and media. The news brainwashed half of America into supporting the war in Iraq in the first place.

Fortunately, some of us are still free thinkers and are often able to see right through things like this. I don’t think the game is dangerous to society or anything though. It’s a recruitment tool. What war ever happens without a little side propaganda going on? I recall Al Qaeda also uses video games to recruit.

Xboxlenny

On January 29, 2008 at 10:19 am

Must Play…, Must Join American Army… Hmm I cant because im Canadian. Its another FPS not a brainwashing tool. i think it would prevent people from joining the army. 1. they are too busy playing this game, 2. they get to see how bad war realy is.

I was talking to the recruiter the other day who said they have a 360 set up in the office and let kids come over and play America’s Army. I told him they’d actually do better if they had them playing Halo 3 or COD 4.

somewhat

On January 29, 2008 at 10:36 am

You’re on the money there Will. COD4 would be a much better tool.

Gabe

On January 30, 2008 at 2:16 am

Dude, lots of people have been saying its a brainwashing tool for a long time now. Just because some islamic fundamentalist start saying it some jackass decides to then report about it? Douche bags. Anyways Its a lame ass game anyway. Also CoD4 is terrible. Now Crysis wipes the floor most all fps’s out right now except for maybe Bioshock.

Gabe

On January 30, 2008 at 2:39 am

Sorry about the whole douche bag thing, guess I overeacted a little. I agree with the article for the most part after fully reading it.

What I question is if it actualy gives an accurate representation of what real war is like, and the horrors that go along with it.

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